A Newham GP is retiring after more than three decades in the health service.

Dr Prakash Chandra, the chairman of Newham’s Clinical Commissioning Group, is stepping down after 33 years.

Dr Chandra started work in Newham in a group practice, before setting up his own, the Sangham Surgery, which served 11,000 patients.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time as chair, it has been an immense privilege. I’m delighted that we are in such a strong position, both financially and in terms of the achievements.

“I’ll be sad to leave my friends here and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the governing body, CCG staff and my colleagues in general practice.”

Dr Chandra was a founding member of the Newham GP forum and Newham Health Partnership CCG, a predecessor to Newham’s CCG. He was also an advisor to the government on clinical leadership, which helped pave the way for the rollout of CCGs.

He became chair of Newham’s CCG in 2015, and during the last three years has overseen measures to ensure the early detection of TB, along with improved cervical cancer screening and survival rates.

Dr Chandra said: “I am particularly proud of putting in foundations that will ensure continued improvements in Newham for many years to come. This includes a pipeline of long-term investment that will improve access to health services in the community.

“There is still a great deal of work to be done, and I am looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition for my successor who will continue to ensure the people of Newham get the best possible health services.”

The CCG’s vice chair, Wayne Farrar, said: “Dr Chandra’s role has been one small part of his phenomenal contribution to the health and care services in Newham’s communities.

“Since his earliest days providing GP services from local community venues in East Ham, his deep commitment to all the people of Newham, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, has helped him shape local health services in line with the vision of universal health care that inspired Nye Bevan to create the NHS 70 years ago.

“Dr Chandra’s legacy may not be as celebrated as Nye’s but for the people of Newham it bears comparison.”